McKibben endorses Zuckerman

David Zuckerman, farmer and former House member who is running for the Senate in Chittenden County, has won the support of Vermont’s best-known environmentalist, the campaign announced Monday.

Bill McKibben, resident scholar at Middlebury College and founder of 350.org, says Zuckerman would be a “real asset in the Vermont Senate.”

“I have known David Zuckerman for a number of years and he is one of the most promising environmental political figures I know,” McKibben said in a written statement.

Zuckerman’s running in the Democratic primary, but the long-time Progressive hopes to run in the general election as a D/P fusion candidate.

Here’s the full news release:

HINESBURG, VT – In the crowded democratic primary for the Chittenden County State Senate race former State Representative David Zuckerman has received the endorsement from Vermont’s most famous environmental activist.

Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and resident scholar at Middlebury College lent his name to Zuckerman’s campaign saying, “I have known David Zuckerman for a number of years and he is one of the most promising environmental political figures I know. He will be a real asset in the Vermont Senate.”

While serving in the legislature, Zuckerman was influential promoting renewable energy including geothermal, solar and wind energy development. During the debate on tax rates for wind power Zuckerman was key to keeping the rates low by leading a tri-partisan coalition to fend off the highest rates in the nation. Zuckerman also regularly earned 100% voting records in scorecards from VPIRG and the VT League of Conservation Voters.

McKibben’s support comes with a call for action, “We do not have time to wait. Electing David Zuckerman to the Vermont Senate will help spur more active environmental, sustainable agriculture and other important legislation. Please support David.”

Zuckerman says this endorsement means a lot so early in the campaign. “I was an Environmental Studies Major at UVM. I learned how critical our energy policy is to our future. I have successfully worked on these issues for years and have looked to Bill for ideas and solutions. I am honored to have his support, it is a clear signal to Vermonters who have strong environmental convictions.”